Electric current meter



Effe Kaap/Ms Aug. 9; 1949.

J. BUONINCONTRI ELECTRIC CURRENT METER Filed July 15, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY Aug.- 9, 1949.

J. BUONINCONTRI 'ELECTRIC CURRENT METER Filed July 15, 1944 m, @dall 2 Sheets-Sheet .2

INVENTOR J'.' 50a/VUV conf-EA BW/mum ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 9, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlCE ELECTRIC CURRENT METER Joseph Buonincontri, Irvington, N. J., assignor to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania.

Application July 15, 1944, Serial No. 545,052

3 Claims. 1

This invention relates to meters for electric current and more particularly to one for measuring every weak current, with an arrangement to prevent meter damage due to an increase in said current beyond safe limits.

The principal object of my invention, generally considered, is to provide an electric current meter in which either the pointer reads lower as the current being measured increases, or the meter is in a bridge circuit, whereby automatic protection against overload is assured.

Another object of my invention is to provide apparatus for measuring the positive ion current to the grids of electronic devices or radio tubes undergoing test, in such a way that the amount of such current, or the corresponding gas pressure as showing the condition of such devices, is clearly indicated without danger to the measuring instrument or microammeter in case of excessive current or short circuit.

A further object of my invention is to provide means for protecting a microammeter against eX- cessive current by biasing the grid ofr a threeelectrode tube in series therewith more and more as the current being measured increases, so that said meter gives a decreasing reading as the current being measured increases, until it reads zero at the end of its range.

Other objects and advantages of the invention, relating to the particular arrangement and construction of the various parts, will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Referring to the drawing:

Figure 1 is a wiring diagram showing one embodiment of my invention,

Figure 2 is a chart showing how the readings of the microammeter are interpreted to show the flow of gas or positive ion current through a radio tube being tested, which current is also a measure of the pressure of the gas in said tube,

Figure 3 is a wiring diagram showing another embodiment of my invention.

In the measurement of the current, conducted by the gas as positive ion current, collected by the grids of vacuum tubes, as manufactured and tested by the assignee of the present application, a microammeter usually having a range from to 50 microamperes, direct current, is used. If a short circuit develops in the tube between the grid and some other element, or if the current conducted by the gas in the tube is high, the meter is subjected to an overload. If the overload is severe, or over 50 microamperes or otherwise beyond the safe load on the meter, the latter will burn out. It will also be understood that there are no relays operating in the microampere range which could be used to protect such a meter. Under present conditions it takes many months to replace such a special range meter.

In accordance with my invention, I have developed a meter arrangement which will read weak current, such as that in a radio tube being tested, in such a manner that the higher the curlrent the lower the indication given until a zero reading is reached, so that the meter is automatically protected if an overload occurs.

Referring to the drawing in detail, like parts being designated by like lreference characters, and first considering the embodiment of Figs.l 1 and 2, there is shown a microammeter II adapted to read from 0 to 1,000 microamperes. This is placed in series with a three-electrode tube I2, preferably of the (SS-F5 type as manufactured by the Radio Corporation of America, and in series with an adiusting resistance I3 of 1.000 ohms maximum capacity. These three elements are energized from a source of direct current, preferably of a potential of about 200 volts D. C., the magnitude of such voltage being closely regulated by some means such as a network such as that illustrated, including a lpreferably 20.000 ohm resistor I5, a voltage regulator tube I6 of the VR-l50 type, as manufactured by the Radio Corporation of America, and another 20,000 ohm resistor I1, all across the line ahead of the devices II, I2 and I3, said resistor I5 and regulating tube I6 being spaced by a preferably 2,000 ohm resistor I8 in one leg of the circuit. An adjustable preferably 10,000 ohm resistor I9 is desirably disposed in the same leg of the circuit to space the voltage regulator tube I6 from the resistor I1. y

l The tube undergoing test is represented at 2|, the electron current therethrough passing from cathode 22 through control grid 23 and screen grid 24 to anode or plate 25, positive ions due to residual gas being picked up by the grid 23 which is kept at a negative potential. The grid 23 is desirably biased from an adjustable resistor 26 of a grid-bias supply 21, through a preferably 100,000 ohm resistor 28 and an adjustable resistor 29 of 100,000 ohms maximum capacity. The grid current through the resistors 28 and` 29 is used to bias the grid 3| of the three-electrode tube I2, so as to make it increasingly negative as the positive ion or current, through the tube 2l under test, increases. This biasing circuit desirably includes a preferably ten megohm resistor 32.

In operation, electron and ion current will iiow from the cathode 22 through the grids to the anode 25, a gas or positive ion part being collected by the grid 23 and developing a voltage across the biasing resistors 28 and 29. With a biasing resistance of 200,000 ohms, it is found that, in testing a tube of the VVL-80'7 type as manufactured by the assignee of the present application.. 4 microarnperes 0f Current will HOW. This develops a .8 volt drop across the resistors 28 and 29. This voltage applied through the resistor 32 to the grid 3| of the vacuum tube I2, correspondingly reduces the current through the tube and the microammeter II in series therewith.

The vacuum-tube-meter circuit is calibrated and the tube I2 biased to permit 1,000 microamperes to flow in the plate cirouitfin the tube I2 and be read on the meter II -when no positive ion current flows in the tube 2l under test. As soon as positive ion current flows through the biasing resistors- 28 and 28, the voltage. so developed will adda correspondingly more negative bias to the grid li; and correspondingly reduce said plate current and theA indication of the meter II.

The meter arrangement is such thatA a' biasing voltage change of ani .8 volt will produce a change in. the platev current from; 1,000l microamperes to 500 microanmeres.4 Therefore, theA positive ion current of 4 microamperes is equivalent to a change of 500 microamperes` on the proposed meter; A gas currentV of 13 micrcamperes or more will out oi: the tube 'I2 completely, giving a.- zero reading on the meter II. It is therefore impossible to burn out the meter if a short occurs er excessive currcnt''ows through the tube under test.

In callbrating the meter the following adjustments are; made: With noA current flowing through the biasing resistors 28 and 29', the drop muts the adjusted. portion. of the resistor I3 in sexies with the tube I2 should be revolt. This, of course; means-that theresistor l should be adjusted tov give. a plate current of 1,000m1'oromneres. If 1.000 noicrcanmenesl cannot thusfbe obtained.; the resistor i3 shculd'be adiustedfor auch current, even if the: voltage across it is made slightly different from that specified.,

A microammeter 33 is then placed in the calibratiug circuit across theA biasing resistors 28 and 29,. aS by Closing' the' switch 38; The microemmeter 33 desirably has a range of from 0 to 20 microamperes. The circuit desirably includes ai 11/2 volt; battery 354, a 100,000' ohm resistor 35 and an adjustable 100.000 ohmresistor 36, across a; deeirably .5 mcrofarad by-pass condenser .31. The resistor 36 is adjusted for the desired gas current4 specification limit. in the present example. l mioroamperes. Then the resistor 29 is adjusted. for a plate current of 5.00 microamper-es on the Ymeter I'I,4 or the arbitrary lim-it for the test; The circuit. is Vnow calibrated and the Switch 3% may be'opelled to cut out the calibrating equipment; Y

During use, the adjustable resistor:V I9- may be employed. by the operator to set for full` scale deflection ofthe meter II when'no currentV flows through thev tube ZI under test. The readings on the meter II. are interpreted lay-reference to the chart QI Fig. 2v For incumple,v a meter reading ci G40 microamneres means a current of. 3 micro amperesrand one of 200 microamperes means a gas current of 7.8 micrcamperes, as actual test readings.

It has beenV foundV in. using the. 4mregciug arrangement embodying my invention, that the stability of the circuit is good, as readings cannot be unbalanced by touching any of the parts of the Calibrating circuit or any parts of the 5 grid circuit of the tube under test, or by moving or touching any of the leads of the vacuumtubc-meter circuit. Drifting of the plate current due to changes in tube characteristics and effects of the weather on the components of the circuit is negligible, but any slight change can be allowed for by the operator adjusting the resistor I8. Such adjustment will not in any way affect the calibration of the meter.

The tubeunder test will be subjected to a grid bias more positive', by the .8 volt, than the grid bias supply for the tube, but this results in an increase of only one or two milliarnperes in the plate circuit. This will not harm the tube, but for the. measurement of the other characteristics the 200,000 ohm biasing grid resistors should be snorted out asby means of a relay.

I am. enumerating several advantages of my invention, which does not mean that other advantages will not be discovered or apparent to those skilled in the art:

1. The standard type of D, C. meter having a range' to 1 milliampere may be employed. 2. The circuit is not unbalanced or made unstable due to lead capacity or other capacitative affects.

3. Only one adjustment is required by the test operator and this will not aiect the calibra tion.

4. The circuit is simple to calibrate and only two independent adjustments are required. 5. A plate to grid short circuit will not damage the vacuum tube of the meter circuit or the direct current 0 to l milliammeter I I. A plate to grid short will tend to bias the vacuum tube I2 to cut-off and the biasing resistors 28 and 29 will, act as current-limiting devices and prevent any burn out.

Referring now to the embodiment of my in- 45 vention ilustrated in Fig. 3, there is shown a microammeter IIa adapted to read from. 0 to 500 microamperes.. It will be noted that, in the present embodiment, a microammeter with a. smaller range is employed than in the preceding 50 embodiment. This is because the .i present embodiment, while accomplishing the same purpose as the preceding embodiment, makes use of a bridge-type of circuit in which the meter IIEL is in the bridging connection, thereby giving a read- 55 ing which is much more sensitive than that of the. preceding embodiment because it depends on a. difference in` potential between the parts of the bridge circuit which it connects. In this arrange.- ment the meter will give a zero reading when no 60 gas current hows, and read up-scale as the iiow of current increases, rather than down scale as in the preceding embodiment. The. device will otherwise accomplish all the purposes of the original arrangement, although it is not as simple.

Tlie bridge, circuit referred to, includes. two three-electrode tubes I2@ and I2b, both preferably of the 6S-F5 type as manufactured by the Radio Corporation of America, and respectively in series withV variable resistances I3a and I 3'D each 7,0 0f. 1,000 ohms maximum capacity. These. combinations respectively involve two legs of the bridge. The other legs of the bridge involve resistors 39 and 4I, respectively connecting with the Opposite ends of variable resistor 42, the ad- '15 lasting element of which is connected to the posi..

tive terminal of a source of direct'current, preferably one regulated as in the preceding embodiment, so that beyond the control resistors there -is available a potential ofabout 150 volts, by lead 43. The legs of the'lbridge which include the 1- by the reference character 45 and connects with the line 44. The grid, as in the preceding embodiment, is desirably biased as by means of an adjustable resistor (not shown) by lead 4B therefrom, through a preferably 100,000 ohm resistor 28a and an adjustable resistor 29a of 100,000 ohms maximum capacity. The current from thecontrol grid, and which passes through the resistors 28a and 29a is used to bias the grid 3|lD of the three-electrode tube l2b so as to make it increasingly negative as the positive ion or gas current through the tube `under test increases. This biasing circuit desirably includes a preferably megohm resistor 32h. A corresponding resistor 32*EL is in the circuit from line 44 to grid Ble of tube |29'.

In setting up the circuit initially, the resistor 41 in series with the meter l le is set for zero resistance. The resistors I3a and |3b are both set for half their maximum resistances, that is, at 500 ohms each. The resistor 42 is set so that half of its resistance is in series with each of the resistances 39 and 4|. If, with this set-up, the meter Ia does not read zero, the resistors I3a |3b, or both, are adjusted slightly until a zero reading is obtained. This means that the meter initially reads zero, that is, when no current flows.

In operation, electron and ion current will iiow from the cathode of the tube under test, through the grids to the anode, a positive ion part being collected by the control grid and thereby developing a voltage across the biasing resistors 28a and 29a. With a biasing resistance of 200,000 ohms it will be seen that four microamperes of current develop a .8 volt drop across the resistors, as in the preceding embodiment. This voltage applied through the resistor 321 to the grid 3|b of the vacuum tube l2", correspondingly reduces the current through the tube, Without affecting the current through the tube |221, thereby causing a difference in potential across the bridging circuit involving the meter Ila and the resistor 41 in series therewith, so that the meter reads up scale as the bias on the grid 3 la increases with increasing current through the resistors 23a and 29a.

The meter is calibrated in a manner similar to that of the preceding embodiment. With no current flowing through the biasing resistors, the meter Ha reads zero. The Calibrating circuit, as in the preceding embodiment desirably includes a 11/2 volt battery 34"-, a 100,000 ohm resistor 35a and an adjustable 100,000 ohm resistor 36a in series with a microammeter 33e, desirably having a range of from 0 to 20 microamperes, said circuit being controlled by a switch .38a and desirably having a .5 microfarad bypass condenser 31a. In calibrating, the switch 38a is closed and the resistor t6a adjusted for a predetermined gas current flow, that is, preferably four microamperes. The resistor 41 is then adjusted so that the meter Il' reads 250 microamperes, that is, half scale. This means that the meter Ila is calibrated to show fourvmicroamperes of gas current when it reads 250 microamperes. Anyreading over 250 microamperes indicates high positive ion current and a bad tube. l

After the initial calibration has been made, the switch Sta is opened and the arrangement is ready to measure positive ion current. The only adjustment thereafter required by the operator Will be for tube drift which can bercompensated for by an adjustment of the resistor 42 for Zero indication on the metel` ||a when no'current is flowing.

A chart corresponding to Fig. 2, but for the circuit of Fig. 3, can be prepared in a similar manner. It will however be noted that the curve of such a chart slopes in the opposite direction from -that of Fig. 2, that is, the meter reading increases as the gas current increases. However, on account of the limited capacity of the tubes I2 and iZfand the high resistances which have to be traversed by current y*prior to reaching the meter Ha the latter is well protected against dangerous overloads or burn outs, even though the reading thereon increases as the current being measured increases within the limits of the arrangement. It will therefore be seen that the present embodiment, although providing'an arrangement more complicated than that of the preceding embodiment, has two distinct advantages thereover, rst, it gives an up-scale reading as the current being measured increases, which is a convenience and avoids possible confusion, and Second, it uses a more sensitive meter than the arrangement of the first embodiment.

Although preferred embodiments of my invention have been disclosed, it will be understood that it is not limited to testing the gas current in vacuum devices but may be employed for any direct current to be measured, and especially very weak direct current where delicate instruments are usually employed for the purpose and which would be subject to damage or burn-out if the current being measured increased beyond a iixed Y relatively-small amount.

It will also be understood that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the appended claims without departure from my invention.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for measuring the positive ion current collected by the grid of a vacuum tube during operation thereof, comprising means causing operation of said tube and negatively biasing said grid, a resistor in the circuit between said grid and said biasing means, a source of direct current, a direct current meter and a three-electrode tube energized from said source, and electrically connected so that at least part of the plate current of said tube passes through said meter, and an electrical connection between the negative end of said resistor and the grid of said three-electrode tube, so that the greater the current in said resistor, the more the grid of said three electrode tube is negatively biased, and the lower the reading of the meter, whereby burnout due to an excess of said positive ion current is impossible.

2. Apparatus for measuring the positive ion current collected by the grid of a vacuum tube during operation thereof, comprising means causing operation of said tube and negatively biasing said grid, an adjustable resistor in the circuit between said grid and said biasing means, a source of regulated direct current, a direct current meter "7 and a three-electrode tube energized from said source, so that at least part of the plate current of said tube passes through said meter, and an electrical connection between the negative end of said resistor and the grid of said three-electrode tube, so that the greater the current in said resistor, the more the grid of said three-electrode tube is negatively biased.

3. Apparatus for measuring the positive ion current collected by the grid of a vacuum tube undergoing test, comprising means causing operation of said tube and negatively biasing said grid, an adjustable resistor in the circuit between said grid and said biasing means, a source of direct current, a bridge circuit across said source, said circuit comprising two three-electrode tubes, each ,tube being in series with an adjustable resistor to form aleg of the bridge circuit, resistors as the other two legsof the bridge circuit, a direct current meter in series with an adjustable resistor Aas the bridge between said legs and an adjustable connection between a resistor connected to the -grid of one of said three-electrode tubes and the negative end of said adjustable resistor in the Y circuit between said grid and said biasing means,

whereby the grid of said three electrode tube is biased in varying degrees in accordance with the current variationin said circuit between the grid REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,649,016 Buckley Nov. 15, 1927 1,808,013 Barnhart June 2, 1931 2,033,347 Manlyy Mar. 10, 1936 2,039,267 Barber Apr. 18, 1936 2,049,306` Matson July 28, 1936 2,122,267V Wagner June 28, 1938 2,356,187 Swedlcw Aug. 22, 1944 OTHER REFERENCES "Vacuum Tube Voltmeters, by Rider, pages 118, 119, '74, 134, 139, 5, 129 and 130. Published by John F. Rider Publisher Inc., New York 16, N. Y. (1941). 

